National holiday La Tamborrada in San Sebastian

It is dedicated to the memory of Saint Sebastian who is the patron of the nation that is not difficult to guess.

The holiday name comes from Spanish word «tambor» – the drum: among the festival traditions, you may see the processions of guisers playing the drums and barrels. There are several explanations intended to reveal this tradition. According to the first version, in 1813 Napoleonic troops caught San Sebastian, walking along the city and knocking on the drums. Local water haulers replied them rattling on their barrels so as to goof on invaders.

Another legend depicts a baker who used water from the city fountain to fill the water-carrying barrel during the draught. When water in fountain ran out, he started singing. Girls who primed the jugs with water, responded him with the knocking on their vessels. To the joy of the baker and all others, water continued to pour. Around him, the crowd gathered which accompanied the baker’s song with the drum beating.

The celebration of Tamborrada begins at midnight from the 19-th to 20-th of January when the mayor of San Sebastian hoisted the local flag at the square of Constitution in Old town. During the day over the whole city, the demonstrations of masquers are arranged who knock on drums and water-carrying barrels. Some participants disguise themselves as water haulers and bakers, others – Napoleonic soldiers.

Inevitable holiday tradition is fancy-dressed child’s processions presented by each city school. During the demonstration, route marches are sounding created by the local composers especially for this folk festival. One of the most famous songs among them is

«March of San Sebastian», composed by Raimundo Sarriegui.

in the breaks between costumed marches citizens of city wine and dine guests with the dishes made from eel. The festival highpoint becomes prominent celebration at the square of Constitution on the 20-th of January which is finished at midnight with the coming of the 21-st of January. The mayor strikes the flag, and citizens call it a night.